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Balochistan's premier online newspaperSun, 18 Nov 2018 03:45:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8CPEC and Saudi Arabia?http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/cpec-and-saudi-arabia/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/cpec-and-saudi-arabia/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 03:45:32 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6538Saddam Shah History speaks the geo-strategic worth of Gwadar louder than any political fascination, being part of Spykman’s ‘Rimland’. However, to utilize it in such geostrategic affairs is tremendously convoluted and challenging, where great powers have been even failing since ‘The Great Game’. In case of Pakistan, it is in between Iran and Saudi Arab: […]

History speaks the geo-strategic worth of Gwadar louder than any political fascination, being part of Spykman’s ‘Rimland’. However, to utilize it in such geostrategic affairs is tremendously convoluted and challenging, where great powers have been even failing since ‘The Great Game’. In case of Pakistan, it is in between Iran and Saudi Arab: strong antagonists of each other where to appease one, other annoys naturally.

On other side, it is India having rivalry ties with Pakistan since independence of both the countries while, on other, Afghanistan is yet another conundrum. It has rigid US influence and having seasonal but influential relations with Islamabad despite physical remoteness. There appears China with shortest bordering neighbor in the north and having friendly liaison with Pakistan: a soft emerging power with fastest growing economy and regional sway. But will Beijing really help Islamabad in its economic development based on shared interests or colonize its left-potential through exploitation under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in such geo-strategic culture, is still a matter of concern for many Pakistanis.

The role of Kingdom Saudi Arab in CPEC coined in national media when the government was desperate to have financial bailout. It fundamentally brought two complications on one table: Islamabad-Riyadh ties and CPEC itself. These both issues aired when PM Imran Khan had made clear that Pakistan needed bailout and even asking IMF, considered taboo by PTI leadership prior to assuming the government, was even approved.

Firstly, the PTI-led administration began with severe criticism on previous administration’s handling of such mega initiative since former’s offensive election campaign and even after taking executive oath. The statement of PM’s advisor on Commerce and Industry, Abdul Razak Dawood, to hold CPEC for a year and review, was perhaps first of its kind by any government official. He had to back-out due to pressure and stated that it was understood out of the expressed context. Secondly, when Minister for Information, Fawad Chaudary, informed proudly and confidently that Riyadh would be third strategic partner in CPEC, he had to get cold feet later after realizing his misuse of terms and came-up for a clarification that it has agreed to invest in one of CPEC’s off-shoots.

CPEC is a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) mainly between two main parties, China and Pakistan. It is not between the governments but states. Political leadership of Pakistan from almost every party calls it a ‘Game-Changer’ that, in fact, China uses for its broader BRI. PPP and PML-N both use to take its credit while PTI dismisses that at every front. Despite harsh criticism internally among a segment of politicians, academia, journalists and people, it is neither politically nor officially acknowledged.

The inclusion of Saudi Arab in CPEC was wholeheartedly welcomed by Pakistan but it also raised concerns in context of China and Iran. To some that means the influence of United States in CPEC through the Kingdom which could annoy China. However, China accepted it without any objection rather it was necessary and KSA with its ‘Vision 2030’ has its own deep interests by investing in the project. Pakistan and China have good ties with the Kingdom being leading GCC member which is one of the pre-requisite for the success of CPEC. As far as Iran is concerned, since 1979 Islamabad’s relation with it is not as friendly as it should be and it has not accepted to partner in CPEC. Perhaps, that is because of many reasons. However, now it should have new start in favor of both the countries. Pakistan’s gesture of mediation between Iran and KSA and staying neutral regarding Yemen was positive but now it needs to tighten bilateral relations more than ever.

As explained by the Finance Minister to clarify Riyadh’s role to be the first partner in one of CPEC’s derivative projects but whether it would be bilateral or trilateral is yet to be clarified. In case of trilateral, Pakistan may not be on winning side because of must require-say of China in economic projects other than CPEC. It also adds to already existing concerns on CPEC: How Pakistan and China would reach on mutual consent to invite other countries in its off-shoots and how would it affect bilateral relations of Pakistan with other countries, especially where its interests diverge from that of China or vice-versa? Furthermore, what would be the scope of CPEC regarding Pakistan’s economic relations or it encompasses almost all?

CPEC is, no doubt, a mega project and needs political consensus that it has got politically and perhaps, almost everyone accepts its significance for Pakistan. The noteworthy question under criticism is its framework, conditions, share and role of Pakistan. This cannot be seen with shallow claims, high praises or sweet words but realistically with the lens of national interest in true sense, obviously the way China does for itself. There is open space for review, vividly mentioned in CPEC’s Long-Term Plan issued by the previous government and signed by both the parties. So that, there is nothing wrong if Pakistan asks to review it timely and takes China into confidence for appropriate steps without affecting its essence.

It is unfortunate that we have blanket cover over CPEC despite being a serious and long-term state policy that is multidimensional and affecting every segment of society and state affairs. It is again misfortune that we have almost pro- or some anti-CPEC analysts, while we need analysts with expertise on the subject for worthy way-forward where essential. Pakistanis must have their say in it, of course worth rational one. It would be unfair and colonial way to impose CPEC by the leaders that may multiply problems for young generation that are already infinite. They deserve to take control of their country in better state affairs. Hence, internal critics should not be surrendered even on Chinese insist, else it would literally mean to be Chinese colony in technological age. No one else can be Pakistan’s all time-tasted friend but its citizens and the sovereignty they have surrendered to the state should be respected the most.

Writer is student of Defence and Strategic Studies at QAU, Islamabad. His area of interests include Politics of Balochistan, South Asian Politics, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism. He can be reached on twitter @Saddam_Shah98.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and Balochistan Voices not necessarily agrees with them.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/cpec-and-saudi-arabia/feed/0New Balochistan in Making?http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/new-balochistan-in-making/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/new-balochistan-in-making/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 03:30:33 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6540Adnan Aamir Jam Kamal, the candidate put forward by the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), took oath as chief minister (CM) of Balochistan on August 19. This was the day when the proverbial Naya (new) Balochistan came into existence. Since then, however, the people of this province have not witnessed significant […]

Jam Kamal, the candidate put forward by the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), took oath as chief minister (CM) of Balochistan on August 19. This was the day when the proverbial Naya (new) Balochistan came into existence. Since then, however, the people of this province have not witnessed significant improvement in their lives. The government has not yet taken any decision to provide any relief to them, except one publicity stunt of opening the Governor’s House for students for one day. However, some claims made by CM Jam Kamal last week might be the stepping stone of a new Balochistan.

Jam Kamal Khan Alyani is the Jam of Lasbela, a princely state which became a part of Pakistan in March 1948. Jam Kamal’s family has always found a place in the corridors of power. Jam Ghulam Qadir, grandfather of the current Jam, served as CM of Balochistan twice (1973-74 and 1985-88). Jam Yousaf, father of Jam Kamal, served as CM of Balochistan between 2002 and 2007. This makes Jam Kamal the first third generation chief minister of a province in the history of Pakistan.

CM Jam Kamal is facing a threat of no-confidence from disgruntled members of his own party

During General (r) Musharraf’s rule, Jam Kamal served twice as the nazim of Lasbela. He also served as minister of state for petroleum and natural resources in the cabinets of Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. He quit the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in April this year and joined the newly-established Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) as its president. BAP is alleged to be the baby of the establishment, a charge which members of BAP reject.

Jam Kamal was the only CM who accompanied Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first official visit to China in the first week of November. After concluding his visit, Kamal reached Quetta and called a press briefing, inviting all senior journalists and editors of Quetta.

In this briefing, on November 7, Chief Minister Jam Kamal made some tall claims. Kamal boldly told newsmen that from now on, the Balochistan government would not transfer ownership of land to any foreign company. The land would only be provided on lease, rent or shared equity. This claim was made in the backdrop of fears that foreign projects will take over land in Balochistan and turn the local population into a minority.

Jam Kamal has indeed taken a bold step by making this announcement but it might prove difficult to stand by it. Chinese projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and some possible Saudi projects in Balochistan would require land and it would be very difficult for Jam to refuse them ownership. However, if he stands his ground then he would surely protect the interests of people of Balochistan.

Another claim made by the chief minister made was about the minerals projects in Balochistan. Kamal said he had told the federal government in writing that only the Balochistan government would negotiate these projects in the province with foreign companies, and that the federal government could only act as a facilitator.

The context of this claim is that reportedly the federal government had offered Saudi Arabia to take up Reko Diq gold mines in Balochistan in return for a bailout package. The agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit did indeed mention minerals projects in Balochistan. But Kamal has effectively shut the door on the federal government negotiating these projects in Balochistan against the interests of the province. The rationale behind this decision is that if Balochistan kept on giving up its land, then it will be left with nothing in terms of valuable assets in the future. Again, Jam’s decision reflects consideration of interests of the province.

Jam Kamal made another claim. He said that the former federal government had intentionally left Balochistan behind in CPEC’s projects. Nationalist politicians, civil society members, and journalists had repeatedly claimed that the previous government had deceived the people of Balochistan in name of CPEC. Jam Kamal revealed that the HUBCO power plant and a small portion of Gwadar port are the only projects in Balochistan which were funded through the CPEC framework. He criticized Nawaz Sharif for inaugurating a highway project in Balochistan which was funded by Asian Development Bank and calling it the western route for CPEC.

In the past, chief ministers of Balochistan were apologetic about the role of federal government in CPEC but Jam Kamal has changed that approach. He vindicated the point of view of all the critics who accused the Sharif government of exploiting resources of Balochistan to get Chinese funding and then diverting it to the Punjab. With this approach, Balochistan can ask for an increased share in CPEC to compensate for the injustices meted out by the previous government.

There is just one problem. When Sharif was supposedly deceiving Balochistan in the allocation of CPEC projects, Jam Kamal was part of his cabinet. He never uttered a word against Sharif then and nor did he speak for the rights of Balochistan during the last five years. Notwithstanding this moral dilemma, his recent change of heart or political machinations are a good starting point.

The new stand by the CM is already making waves in Islamabad. This apparent uncompromising approach is apparently creating a wedge between Balochistan and the federal government. More than one official privy to this told this scribe on condition of anonymity that Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his displeasure on the harsh letters written by Jam Kamal about mineral projects and issues of ports.

Presently, CM Jam Kamal is facing a threat of no-confidence from the disgruntled members of his own party. There are rumors in Quetta that the Jam Kamal government can be toppled at any time, just like the government of Sanaullah Zehri of the PML-N. If the PTI pulled support of its members in the Balochistan Assembly, then Jam’s government will find it very hard to survive. So, by taking a stand for Balochistan’s rights against the federal government, Jam might be endangering his own government.

Jam seems to have many plans for improving the economy of Balochistan. He recently announced a road show in Shanghai in two months to showcase products from this province which could be sold in China. He talks about attracting foreign investment to promote commercial activity in Balochistan. He also announced to investigate illegal allotment of land in Gwadar and so on. However, he has not addressed the issue of the on-going conflict in Balochistan since 2005.

The solution of the Balochistan conflict is a pre-requisite for economic development and prosperity in the province. Without addressing this problem politically, no mega project or foreign investment can improve the situation. In all fairness, while facing adversities from his own party members and allies in Islamabad, it would be too much to ask from Jam Kamal to take the Balochistan conflict head-on. Apparently, that is why Jam Kamal is only focused on the economic front and that will likely to be his strategy in the months to come.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/new-balochistan-in-making/feed/0On Noise, Silence and Solitudehttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/on-noise-silence-and-solitude/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/on-noise-silence-and-solitude/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 03:30:07 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6534Dervaish Ali “Our unhappiness arises from one thing only: that we cannot be comfortably alone in our room….That is why the pleasure of solitude is seen as so incomprehensible”, said the French scientist-philosopher Blaise Pascal. With every passing day, we lose a bit of our quietude, a patch of our silent spaces to the deafening […]

“Our unhappiness arises from one thing only: that we cannot be comfortably alone in our room….That is why the pleasure of solitude is seen as so incomprehensible”, said the French scientist-philosopher Blaise Pascal. With every passing day, we lose a bit of our quietude, a patch of our silent spaces to the deafening noise and maddening pace of new technologies and gadgets—the iPods, iPhones, tablets, HD TVs, smartphones, video game consoles, smart watches and smart this and smart that. With these come the conveniences, no doubt, but also accompanying them are the flat and impoverished lifestyles often cunningly packaged as miracle manna with promises of bliss and fulfillment. The non-stop bombardment of propaganda tells us that nirvana and nijaat can be achieved and owned just around the corner where the new iPhone or some clone of it, after a super-hyped promotional bonanza, is being sold to the psychologically bruised masses that eagerly line up, as if they were in a free-for-all langar, to get their hands on the new gadget. This magical gizmo will soon become old, kicking in the same cycle of mindless consumption again.

It is ironic that we humans make these anti-spiritual and, ultimately dehumanizing contraptions only to see them in a state of helplessness as they in turn shape, control and consume us. With every new “smart” device that promises liberation, we de-skill ourselves and lose our independence. Recall what the convenient calculator did to the arithmetic ability of kids and what the computer keyboard or word processor has done to the reading and writing skills of both adults and children. Writes William Deresiewicz: “Reading now means skipping and skimming; five minutes on the same Web page is considered an eternity.” Convenience and ease remain desirable but they also breed unhealthy, slavish dependence. When we shun effort and difficulty, when we by-pass what demands our long and deep attention, we also forego the opportunity to realize our potentialities, since it is in our painful struggles with what is strange and difficult that we often experience authentic joy and through them that we achieve greatness. “The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things,” wrote Rainer Maria Rilke.

Every new gizmo triumphantly announces the shattering of yet another frontier and the arrival of a new age of progress for us, but in reality its essential victories are over our interior and spiritual life, that qualitative domain that matters most for a truly meaningful life. It is yet another assault of the quantitative on the qualitative.

Fifty years ago a technology critic like Lewis Mumford could say: “Today, the degradation of the inner life is symbolized by the fact that the only place sacred from interruption is the private toilet.” Not anymore. The “smart” machines are now everywhere: in the kitchen, in the living room, in the bedroom and in our beds, in the toilet, in our cars, in our offices and schools, in our heads and hearts. They have colonized our most private and intimate spaces. They have even invaded and desacralized our mosques and madrassahs. Today’s pious Muslims, for example, will not let go of them even as they circumambulate the House of God, the Holy Kaaba during Hajj in Mecca! It seems that this conspiracy of noise, this modern project of maddening clamor, has but one aim: to continuously distract us from everything that has always been considered a societal and cultural good in sane and integral societies, things like deep thinking and meditation, prayer and self-examination in silence and in solitude. These ever-multiplying devices with their by-design centrifugal forces and tendencies (in the form of SNS or social media, for example) pull us outward, away from our inner resources. They have become the ugly clogs between what and who we are and what and who we could be. Above all, they make silence and solitude very difficult, if not impossible.

It is in solitude that we engage in a profound conversation with our inner and true self, realize our latent potentialities and thus become a moral, ethical and spiritual being. We become whole. In a brilliant long essay written in 2009, The End of Solitude, the critic William Deresiewicz, citing from different religious traditions, argued that no greatness can be achieved without solitude and that it is in solitude that the most profound self-encounters take place out of which arise great works of art, theology, philosophy and scientific excellence. “The still, small voice speaks only in silence,” Deresiewicz wrote. It is that mysterious voice that speaks to the hermit, to the sadhu, to the saint and the sage either in the solitude of a cave, or in the silence of a desert or a forest. The communicative depth of silence is of an altogether different quality and nature. Our deepest passions are nurtured in silence, our respects for the dead are expressed in silence, intense love is shared and transmitted in silence and our profoundest thoughts and visions are experienced in silence as the anarchist John Zerzen reminds us. “The thoughtful soul to solitude retires,” Omar Khayyam has said, alluding to the importance of invocation. The prayer, and not just the Islamic prayer, is meant to, among other things, interrupt the noise and madness of daily life. It takes us out of the chaos of this world, a chaos that is ever made worse by the distracting and disorienting modern machines and iGadgets. Prayer pulls us out of the prison of standardized time itself, and places us in the eternal or the timeless, so that we can remember (re-member) our forgotten, or re-collect our scattered, selves.

While silence and solitude have always been essential conditions for wholeness and spiritual well-being, they often strike terror into the heart of the digital “social” man and woman of our permanently connected or online times. This digital denizen who merrily and endlessly uploads and updates, toots, texts and tweets and who seems to have proudly (dis)-qualified Descartes’ cogito, “I think, therefore, I exist” with “I update, therefore, I exist!” has eye on one and only one thing: the number of “likes” or the hits and listings on Google or the army of “friends” and followers in the networked matrix. The creature not only has no need for solitude, it is actually afraid of silence and totally clueless about the creative potentiality of idleness. This quintessentially modern condition was shrewdly observed by that “godless, jobless, wifeless, homeless” mad man of Europe, Nietzsche, more than a century ago. This is what he said: “When we are quiet and alone, we fear that something will be whispered in our ears, and so we hate the quiet, and dull our senses in society.” Contrast this with “the still, small voice” that the sage, the sufi and the saint pine for! Progress, indeed! With the brutal mob killing of the young man Mashal Khan in Pakistan, many similar atrocities that are taking place in India and other places, and the murderously dissentious uses to which they are put by the vicious vested interests all over the world, a powerful argument can, and must be made against the excesses of these “tricknologies” of mass disorientation. Let me end this blog with this apt observation of Abdal Hakim Murad: “Insan with the e-culture becomes insane” and “If the culture is sick, then your ease with it is a sign of sickness.”

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and Balochistan Voices not necessarily agrees with them.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/on-noise-silence-and-solitude/feed/0GetNow is Offering Massive Discounts This year on the 11 11 Salehttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/getnow-is-offering-massive-discounts-this-year-on-the-11-11-sale/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/getnow-is-offering-massive-discounts-this-year-on-the-11-11-sale/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 03:00:47 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6531Sponsored Content It’s that time of the year when we all are waiting for the biggest shopping festival of the year. All the shopaholics have already braced themselves up for buying abundantly. Getnow.pk is taking the joys of November to the next level and bringing a Mega sale before the largest shopping gala of the […]

It’s that time of the year when we all are waiting for the biggest shopping festival of the year. All the shopaholics have already braced themselves up for buying abundantly. Getnow.pk is taking the joys of November to the next level and bringing a Mega sale before the largest shopping gala of the year. Availing discounts and offers isn’t something new for the Getnow.pk customers, but this time, the surprise is even more thrilling. Get your hands on the most exciting offer in town and enjoy affordable yet quality shopping.

Grab the Amazing Offers at 11 11 Sale at Getnow.pk

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The deals and packages of Getnow.pk have gone viral throughout the country and customers show a keen interest in them. They keep on visiting the store and show a massive inclination towards buying on sales. The demand amplifies even more during occasions and festivals. Therefore, don’t wait and visit the store now to avail the best discount offer.

What’s There in the 11 11 Sale at GetNow.pk Store

We have already moved halfway through the month of November and the year will end soon. Getnow.pk has been bringing amazing offers for you since the beginning to make the year memorable. The 11 11 sale is yet another way of making this year unforgettable as the prices of products have reduced up to 50%. However, the reduction in prices vary from product to product, but the offer is amazing overall.

A special emphasis has been given to the beauty and fitness products in this offer. Approximately 60% of the product list comprises of cosmetics and slimming products. These items are expensive otherwise so it would be wise of you to make the most of this offer. Some of the most selling products among the list include hot shaper belts, slim sauna belt, Huda beauty palettes, and black head removing masks. There are other interesting yet useful items, too, that you should have a look at.

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Shopping at Getnow.pk is simply a piece of cake as everything is right at your fingertips. During the sale, a limited-time bar goes active where a “shop now” button is present. You can get your hands on the 11 11 sales by clicking that button and enjoy shopping. Add the products you wish to buy to cart and proceed to check out. All you have to do is wait for three to five working days to get them delivered to your doorsteps.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/getnow-is-offering-massive-discounts-this-year-on-the-11-11-sale/feed/0Fawad Chaudhry is Wrong: Balochistan Received 1.4 Trillion not 42 Trillion in last 10 yearshttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/fawad-chaudhry-is-wrong-balochistan-received-1-4-trillion-not-42-trillion-in-last-10-years/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/fawad-chaudhry-is-wrong-balochistan-received-1-4-trillion-not-42-trillion-in-last-10-years/#respondThu, 15 Nov 2018 18:08:12 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6526Adnan Aamir Addressing the Senate of Pakistan on Wednesday, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed that Balochistan has received Rs. 42 Trillion from the federal government in last 10 years. Balochistan Voices fact-checked the claim of Fawad Chaudhry and concluded that he shared wrong figures in Senate session. Will be very grateful if the Govt […]

Addressing the Senate of Pakistan on Wednesday, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed that Balochistan has received Rs. 42 Trillion from the federal government in last 10 years.

Balochistan Voices fact-checked the claim of Fawad Chaudhry and concluded that he shared wrong figures in Senate session.

Will be very grateful if the Govt of Pakistan’s Spokesman on Economy Dr Farrukh Saleem could kindly share with us the source of the Rs 42 trillion ($313 billion) figure that the Information Minister told the Senate was given to Balochistan over the last 10 years? pic.twitter.com/3dRsWBxDkn

He has directed Deputy Commissioner Nushki to take strict action against those involved in illegal hunting.

Chief Minister Balochistan has also directed Forest and Wildlife department to ensure protection of all endangered species in all districts of the province by utilizing its mandate and authority.

CM Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan took notice of illegal hunting of Sand Grouses through a video viral in social media in which some hunters somewhere in the desert of Nushki showing more than 200 hunted Sand Grouses.

Chief Minister directed all districts’ Deputy Commissioners to take immediate action against all those involved in illegal hunting of migratory birds and ensure the protection of wildlife and endangered species in their respective districts. End

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/cm-balochistan-directs-action-against-illegal-hunting-of-migratory-birds/feed/0Change of Guard in National Partyhttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/change-of-guard-in-national-party/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/change-of-guard-in-national-party/#respondFri, 09 Nov 2018 18:00:52 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6513Adnan Aamir Between October 28 and October 23, National Party held its fifth national congress. In this congress, 800 councillors from across the country voted to elect new office bearers of the party. This election marked the end of Senator Hasil Bizenjo’s tenure as the president of National Party who was replaced by former Balochistan […]

Between October 28 and October 23, National Party held its fifth national congress. In this congress, 800 councillors from across the country voted to elect new office bearers of the party. This election marked the end of Senator Hasil Bizenjo’s tenure as the president of National Party who was replaced by former Balochistan chief minister Dr Malik Baloch. This change of guard at the top represents a shift in the approach of the National Party.

National Party was founded in 2003 as a political party in Balochistan, which spoke for the rights of the middle class. It aspired to rise above tribal politics and its agenda was to work for the rights of common people. The party boycotted the 2008 elections along with other Baloch and Pashtun nationalists, as a protest against General Musharraf’s emergency. By 2013, National Party was a major force in Balochistan and secured 11 seats in the general elections. Thanks to blessings from Nawaz Sharif, National Party formed a coalition government in Balochistan from 2013 to 2018. Dr Malik Baloch served as chief minister of the province between 2013 and 2015. Senator Hasil Bizenjo served as federal minister for ports and shipping between 2016 and 2018. During its rule, National Party lost popularity due to poor governance and failure to deliver. Consequently, National Party was wiped out in the 2018 elections – it failed to win a single seat in Balochistan.

After the elections, National Party lost its position as a leading party in the province. It is not even part of the parliamentary opposition in the Balochistan Assembly.

The national congress was called in the last week of October to keep the party relevant and pump some oxygen into it. More than 800 councillors across the country attended the Congress, who also voted for leadership elections. The party, which is a Baloch nationalist party, has party units across the country. It is the second political party in Pakistan after Jamaat-e-Islami to conduct elections for its leadership. In 2015, National Party was termed the second most democratic party in Pakistan by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT).

Dr Malik Baloch was elected president of the party and former spokesman of the Balochistan government Jan Buledi was elected general secretary. Senator Hasil Bizenjo has been effectively side-lined from the top decision-making body of the National Party. Sources within the party told The Friday Times that most groups within the party had decided to support Dr Malik Baloch for the leadership position after many deliberations.

There are multiple reasons behind the party’s decision to reorganise its party structure. First, the party wants to re-energize its base and try to make a comeback in the political landscape of Balochistan. The party became unpopular largely due to the decisions of Hasil Bizenjo. He was the face of the National Party which lost the 2018 elections. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to replace him to make a fresh start.

Ever since its poor performance in general elections, National Party has been active in opposition

Second, Hasil Bizenjo had surprisingly adopted a harsh anti-establishment approach in the last few months. Although Bizenjo has always been a pro-establishment politician, he changed his attitude due to his alliance with PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif. He openly blamed the establishment for rigging the Senate chairman elections. He was also critical of the treatment meted out to Nawaz Sharif, allegedly by the establishment. He also spoke bluntly about alleged rigging of elections in Balochistan by the establishment. This attitude was proving to be heavy baggage for National Party and replacing him with the soft-spoken Dr Malik Baloch was seen as a way of mending fences with the establishment.

The third reason for side-lining Bizenjo was his tribal politics. In the 2018 general elections and the subsequent by-election in Wadh (Khuzdar), National Party supported Shafique Mengal who was nominated in murder cases of Levies personnel. He was also rumoured to be a supporter of sectarian militants. He was supported by the National Party because the local leader of the party, Sardar Aslam Bizenjo, a cousin of Hasil Bizenjo, has a bitter political rivalry with Balochistan National Party’s (BNP-Mengal) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal. Just to settle scores with Akhtar Mengal, Aslam Bizenjo supported Shafique Mengal and Hasil did not object. Later, Hasil Bizenjo denied that the National Party had supported Shafique Mengal. He termed the support of his cousin to Mengal as a tribal matter. This reportedly created a rift in the party. Informed sources confided to this scribe that National Party leaders from the Makran division of the province had great reservations about this decision by Bizenjo and this became a good enough reason to show him the door.

Furthermore, the clash of the National Party with its rival BNP was more due to an ego clash between the BNP chief and Hasil Bizenjo and less about any serious political rivalry. Now that Hasil is no more on the saddle, this has paved way for a potential rapprochement between the two parties.

Currently, BNP-Mengal has 10 seats in the Balochistan Assembly and four in the National Assembly. However, the circumstances could force BNP-Mengal to join forces with National Party to press hard for rights of Balochistan. Now that Hasil is out of the picture, the probability of this outcome has increased.

Ever since its poor performance in general elections, National Party has been active in opposition. This party vehemently opposed the speculated deal of handing over Rekodiq Gold Mines to Saudi Arabia without consulting the Balochistan government. The protests of the National Party against this issue compelled the PTI government to take a backfoot on handing over Rekodiq to Saudi Arabia. In addition, the National Party is also vocally opposing any attempts to roll back the 18th constitutional amendment, which empowered the provinces.

The active opposition and changes in the leadership epitomizes the problem of political parties in Balochistan – they look good when in opposition, but when in government, they completely disregard the people. The wiping out of National Party in 2018 elections was the result of their failure to make good the promises made to their support base. Now, it will take National Party a long time before it can be relevant in the Balochistan again. However, the changes in the leadership shows that the party is making an effort to make a quick comeback.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/change-of-guard-in-national-party/feed/0BBC Launches Huge New International Anti-Disinformation Initiativehttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/bbc-launches-huge-new-international-anti-disinformation-initiative/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/bbc-launches-huge-new-international-anti-disinformation-initiative/#respondFri, 09 Nov 2018 17:30:13 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6515The BBC will be launching the Beyond Fake News project on 12th November with the release of findings from original BBC research into how and why disinformation is shared. Around the globe, disinformation has been seen to cause social and political harm, with people having less trust in the news, or in some cases being subjected […]

]]>The BBC will be launching the Beyond Fake News project on 12th November with the release of findings from original BBC research into how and why disinformation is shared.

Around the globe, disinformation has been seen to cause social and political harm, with people having less trust in the news, or in some cases being subjected to violence or death as a result.

The BBC’s Beyond Fake News project aims to fight back with a major focus on global media literacy, panel debates in India and Kenya, hackathons exploring tech solutions and a special season of programming across the BBC’s networks in Africa, India, Asia Pacific, Europe, the USA and Central America. The research to be released publicly on 12th November comes after users gave the BBC unprecedented access to their encrypted messaging apps in India, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The Beyond Fake News media literacy programme has already begun delivering workshops in India and Kenya. It draws on the BBC’s pioneering work to tackle disinformation in the UK, where digital literacy workshops have also been delivered to schools across the country.

Jamie Angus, Director of the BBC World Service Group, says: “In 2018 I pledged that the BBC World Service Group would move beyond just talking about the global ‘fake news’ threat, and take concrete steps to address it. Poor standards of global media literacy, and the ease with which malicious content can spread unchecked on digital platforms mean there’s never been a greater need for trustworthy news providers to take proactive steps. We have put our money where our mouth is and invested in real action on the ground in India and in Africa. From funding in-depth research into sharing behaviours online, to rolling out media literacy workshops globally, and by pledging to bring BBC Reality Check to some of the world’s most important upcoming elections, this year we’re carving our path as a leading global voice for spotting the problems, and setting out ambitious solutions.”

The Beyond Fake News Season

Fake or real, truth or lie, transparent or deliberately misleading – how can you tell the difference? And what can you do about it to help build trust? These are the problems the BBC explores in the Beyond Fake News season. This season will include Fake Me, a documentary revealing how far young people will go in pursuit of social media perfection, as well as the in-depth story of what happened when WhatsApp turned one Indian village into a lynch mob. There will also be reports on Russia’s disinformation campaign, how Facebook is being exploited in the Philippines to spread false information, and a debate with some of the world’s big tech firms on what role they play in stemming the spread of ‘fake news’. The season brings stories from across the world on TV, radio and online drawing on the expertise of the BBC’s international network of journalists.

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/bbc-launches-huge-new-international-anti-disinformation-initiative/feed/0Letter: Lack of Science Departments in University of Turbathttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/letter-lack-of-science-departments-in-university-of-turbat/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/letter-lack-of-science-departments-in-university-of-turbat/#respondFri, 09 Nov 2018 17:00:19 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6511The University of Turbat is the only university of Makran division and it provides a wonderful opportunity for the students of entire Makran to get higher education at their doorsteps. It is unfortunate that the departments are very limited for the students. Presently, only ten programs are running in this university. Out of ten programs only chemistry department is […]

]]>The University of Turbat is the only university of Makran division and it provides a wonderful opportunity for the students of entire Makran to get higher education at their doorsteps.

It is unfortunate that the departments are very limited for the students. Presently, only ten programs are running in this university. Out of ten programs only chemistry department is available in science subjects for M.Sc program. It is one of the drawbacks because science students don’t have any choice to get higher education in their own area. Because of lack of science departments students are compelled to either change their choices or take admission in other cities.

Admission for the fall 2019 were recently announced and having no new science departments for master program.

The university administration and concerned authorities are requested to solve this problem as soon as possible in order to give more opportunities for the students in the field of education.

Mahjabeen Hassan – Turbat

]]>http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/letter-lack-of-science-departments-in-university-of-turbat/feed/0Balochistan will not Transfer Ownership of Land for Any Foreign Project: Jam Kamalhttp://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/balochistan-will-not-transfer-ownership-of-land-for-any-foreign-project-jam-kamal/
http://balochistanvoices.com/2018/11/balochistan-will-not-transfer-ownership-of-land-for-any-foreign-project-jam-kamal/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 20:16:57 +0000http://balochistanvoices.com/?p=6503Quetta: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal has said that Balochistan government will not transfer ownership of any land in the province for foreign projects. Balochistan government will only provide land on rent, lease or equity sharing basis. He made this statement while briefing a group of journalists and editors in Quetta on his China […]

]]>Quetta: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal has said that Balochistan government will not transfer ownership of any land in the province for foreign projects. Balochistan government will only provide land on rent, lease or equity sharing basis.

He made this statement while briefing a group of journalists and editors in Quetta on his China visit, on Wednesday.

CM addressing group of journalists and editors

Jam Kamal claimed that land and mineral resources are the primary assets of the province and these will not be sold. He lamented that unfair allotment of prime land in Gwadar has been the biggest disservice to the province in recent time.

“Razzaq Dawood, advisor of Prime Minister on Commerce told me that the best favor you can do for Balochistan is not to sell [its] land for next 10 years,” said Kamal.

He complained that past governments of Balochistan have allotted 80,000 acres of land for Pasni Oil city, whereas the existing largest oil refinery of Pakistan, which is situated near Multan, has an area of only 600 acres. “We are investigating the allotment of this massive quantity of land,” he revealed.

Balochistan to take advantage of trade opportunities with China

Chief Minister of Balochistan elaborated in detail about the meetings he attended in China during the four-day visit where he accompanied Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He was impressed by the Chinese government which alleviated 700 Million people out of poverty and now planning to alleviate 300 million people in the next four years. “Balochistan can learn from Chinese experience to bring people out from poverty,” He anticipated.

CM addressing group of journalists and editors

Jam Kamal said that China has a $5 Trillion import capacity and therefore it held, for the first time, an import expo in Shanghai. “China is offering the world to bring up its production which China is willing to purchase,” He told the journalists.

He revealed that Additional Chief Secretary (Development) and Vice Chairman of Board of Investment of Balochistan discussed with different Chinese companies on how Balochistan can take advantage of trade opportunities with China.

Balochistan Planning a Road Show in China within 2 months

Balochistan government has planned to hold its first ever roadshow in China within two months. “We are planning to hold a road show in Shanghai or some other Chinese city to showcase the business opportunities that Balochistan offers,” claimed Kamal.

He admitted that Balochistan will not get any investment or trade if the government waited for investors rather than proactively seeking investment.

Chief Minister explained that Balochistan can sell fruits, vegetables, and saffron to China among other things. “We [Balochistan government] have to enter in an efficient governance mode to ensure that we can take advantage of trade opportunities with China,” He said.

Asad Umar, Federal Minister of Finance, has assured CM Balochistan that the federal government will fully cooperate with Balochistan government in holding roadshow and seeking foreign investment.

After China, the Balochistan government will plan to hold roadshows in the Gulf, Far East, and Europe.

Balochistan Government Alone will make deals about Mineral Projects

Jam Kamal categorically said that only Balochistan government will make deals with foreign entities about the mineral projects in Balochistan. “I have told federal government in writing that agreements of mineral projects in Balochistan will be negotiated and signed by Balochistan government only and federal government can only be a facilitator,” He claimed.

Chief Minister made this revelation in the backdrop of speculations that the federal government is handing over Rekodiq gold Mine project to Saudi Arabia in exchange for a financial bailout.

I have told the federal government in writing that agreements of mineral projects in Balochistan will be negotiated and signed by Balochistan government only and federal government can only be a facilitator

In answer to a question about the status litigation on Rekodiq, Kamal said that TCC is claiming damages of $12 Billion and Balochistan government has offered $150 million. “The negotiations for settlement are still underway,” he remarked.

He expressed his disappointment that due to Rekodiq controversy no progress has been made on the development of other mineral projects in district Chagai, which are not controversial.

Balochistan did not get a significant share in CPEC

“HUBCO power plant and a small portion of Gwadar are only projects in Balochistan which are funded through CPEC framework,” he revealed. “Previous governments of Balochistan did not ask China for projects and remained occupied in route controversy,” He lamented.

Balochistan missed the opportunity to take advantage of early harvest projects of CPEC

Criticizing the last federal government, Kamal said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated a road with funding of Asian Development Bank and termed it western route of CPEC. “Some roads were built in Balochistan using PSDP and people of Balochistan were misled that these are CPEC funded projects,” He retorted.

Chief Minister said that Balochistan missed the opportunity to take advantage of early harvest projects of CPEC.

“Not a single rupee is a grant in CPEC, all amounts are loans,” he revealed.